Fidelity Bank Plc is partnering with Africa’s Young Entrepreneurs (A.Y.E) to empower entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The partnership agreement between both organisations, signed recently, will strengthen ongoing efforts and initiatives of A.Y.E in developing and supporting future business leaders. It will also afford Fidelity Bank the opportunity to offer financial and technical advisory services to enhance the competitiveness and dynamism of young Nigerian entrepreneurs.

With a network of over 12.6 million members across the continent and 1.6 million Nigerian members, A.Y.E is the largest network of entrepreneurs in the world. The organisation uses conferences, workshops and motivational talks to share practical information on how to develop and manage businesses. As one of Nigeria’s top lenders operating out of over 240 business offices and other numerous e-channels, this is in tandem with Fidelity Banks’ unique solutions to supporting small businesses and practical steps in hand holding and guiding entrepreneurs to building sustainable businesses.

“The partnership was made possible because we share the same ideals on entrepreneurship and job creation. In line with the Federal Government’s Economic Diversification Plan, more employment opportunities lead to poverty alleviation, improved food security and GDP growth” said Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Fidelity Bank, Nnamdi Okonkwo, at a media parley in Lagos, on Wednesday.

A.Y.E encourages social entrepreneurship with role models, powerful mentors, social innovators, thought leaders, forward thinking investors and people passionate about addressing a range of societal and environmental challenges. These stakeholders gather every once in a year in what is tagged the ‘Networking with the Giants Conference’. The 3rd Annual Conference, which is the 2017 edition, is billed to hold in partnership with Fidelity Bank on November 30th.